A USSD allows users to access various services, such as menu-type applications using short codes usually start with * and end with # and can be typed into any cellphone to call up a specific action. Learn how to create your own USSD codes here.
These menus can provide some of the most convenient life hacks and if you're new to it, no need to thank us.
Check out USSD Codes Every South African Should Know
USSD's for South Africans
| Vodacom | MTN | Cell C | Virgin Mobile | Telkom Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Access master menus: |
*111# | *141*0# | *147# | *100# | *180# |
Check airtime balance: |
*100# | *141# | *101# | *101# | *188# |
Load airtime to your account: |
*100*01*recharge PIN# | *141*recharge PIN# | *102*recharge PIN# | *102*recharge PIN# | *188*Recharge Voucher PIN# |
Request your own number: |
*111*501# | *123*888# | *147*100# | *103*2# | |
Request airtime from another user: |
*140*02*mobile number# | *141*6328*mobile number# | *102*3# | *106# | |
Transfer airtime to another user: |
*111*072# (Use *111*1002# to transfer data) | *141*6328*mobile number*amount of airtime# | *102*2# | *106# | |
Request a call from another user (aka the please call me): |
*140*mobile number# | *121*mobile number# | *111*mobile number# | *125*mobile number# |
USSD codes for MTN subscribers
| Service | Code | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Master Menu | *141*0# | Free |
| Balance Enquiry | *141# | Free |
| Buy | *141*2# | Free |
| MTN Me2U | *141*3# | Free |
| Change Price Plan | *141*4# | Free |
| Manage | *141*5# | Free |
| MTN Loyalty | *141*9# | Free |
| MTN Eazi Recharge | *141*10# | Free |
| Mobile Money | *120*668# | Free for MTN Subscribers |
| CallBack | *121* (number)# | Free |
| MTN Compass | *120*555# | R0.20 per 20 sec, some are charged at R1 |
| MTN Loyalty | *141*9# | Free |
| MTN Directory Enquiries | *200# | R2 per successful request |
Source: MTN blog
USSD codes for Vodacom subscribers
| Service | Code | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| My Vodacom services | *111# | Free |
| Balance Enquiry Pre-paid | *100# | Free |
| Balance Enquiry Contract | *111*502# | Free |
| Recharge of prepaid account | *100*01*Recharge PIN# | Free |
| Call Me Service | *140*number# | Free |
| Please Recharge Me | *140*02*number# | Free |
| Data bundle transfer - Pre-Paid | *111*1002# | Free |
| Airtime transfer | *111*072# | Free |
| Airtime Advance | *111*082# | Free |
| Vodacom Paypoint | *120*1234# | Free |
| Promotions | *111# | Free |
| Entertainment | *111# | Free |
Source: Vodacom
USSD codes for Cell C subscribers
| Service | Code | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Change a Cell prepaid tariff | *147# | Free |
| Request GPRS/MMS setting | *147# | Free |
| Cell C call back | *111*number# | Free |
| Personalise Cell Call back | *111*1# | Free |
| Check your Cell C cell phone number | *147# | Free |
| Convert airtime to data bundles | *147*4# | Free |
| Cell C remaining airtime, SMS/MMS and data balance | *101# | Free |
| Load Cell C airtime voucher | *102*pin# | Free |
| Cancel call diverts | ##002# | Free |
| Divert all calls | **21*08414 followed by the last 9 digits of your phone number# | Free |
| Divert calls when busy | **67*08414 followed by the last 9 digits of your phone number# | Free |
| Divert Calls to voice mail | **62*08414 followed by the last 9 digits of your phone number# | Free |
| Divert Calls to voicemail | **61*08414 followed by the last 9 digits of your phone number# | Free |
| Activate BIS service | *147* Key in ‘5’ | Free |
| Deactivate BIS | *147* Key in ‘5’ | Free |
| Block a lost SIM | *147*6# | Free |
| How to block/check subscriptions | *133*1# | Free |
Source: SAcell
Have we missed out on any USSD codes you feel South Africans should know about? Let us know in the comments section below.